Monday, 13 July 2009

Back to one full issue this week - so click on the links below to take you to all sections. We have a great Challenge this week which is a Sketch with a little twist. Fantastic prizes on offer from our Sponsors, Copic shading Tutorials and some extras, the usual Hints and Tips section and some really lovely Freebie downloads.

Ann and Dawn xxx

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Scroll down the page to access each of the sections below

Announcements

Sponsors and Prizes of the Week

Challenge of the Week

Tutorials

Hints and Tips

Grab that Stash

Have Your Say

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Challenge 6 Prize Winners

Our four prize winners this week, were chosen by Random.org - based upon the number allocated at the time the comment entry was made in the Challenge section.

The first selected prize winner is Beccy from Beccysbits. Congratulations you win theKim Sherrod Stamp set of your choice. Click HERE to go to the stamp collection page so you can start choosing.

This week our two sponsors have donated fabulous prizes for the two prize winners of the Challenge 7.

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Priscillastyles is the creator of the most fantastic Envelope Templates, that are in varying sizes, but the prize that is on offer today is the 6 x 6 inch thick envelope template which is ideal to use with the 3D cards featured in the Challenge this week. Alongside the Kit, Priscilla is also giving away this magnificent envelope that she has prepared using the kit. Click on the Priscillastyles link above for more details of how you can proceed to purchase these kits it you cannot wait to see if you are the lucky winner this week.

for the winner to spend of items of their choice - what a great prize. Click on the Hope Stamps Eternal link to go direct to their website to browse the store - you will not be disappointed.Currently they are taking pre-orders for the Autumn collection of Martha Stewart punches - definitely one not to be missed!!!!

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The winners of this week's prizes will be announced under the Announcements section of Issue 8 out next Monday. The winners will be selected by the first 2 numbers selected by Random.Org. based upon the number allocated at the time of posting their challenge entry.

.his week we have a Sketch for you - but with a twist - your image needs to be layered or raised in a 3D effect. The design team have created some fantastic cards to give you inspiration.A special Thank You this week to Jacquefrom Jacque's Joie De Vivre who is our Guest Design Team member of the week - thank you Jacque for your gorgeous creation

Click on the Design Team cards to open them in a new window for more detail, and click on the DT name over the card to take you to their blog site for more detail on the created their card for the Challenge this week.

This week we have Two Tutorials - centred around using Copic pens, but in the case of the First Tutorial, you can easily use Pro Markers to get the same effect. The second Tutorial is designed to assist you in Choosing your Copic Colours from their fantastic range of 322 colours to get the right colour blend and shading, together with a downloadable Blank Colour Chart for you to keep a track of the colours you purchase.

SHADING WITH ALCOHOL INK PENS

When I made my DT card for Issue 1 of The Next Level, I took photographs at each stage of the colouring to show how the finished effect was made up. The secret to colouring with Copics or Pro Markers is to start off with the lightest shade possible. When I first started buying Copics and Pro Markers - I always went for the bright and pretty colours, but quickly learned that my images lacked shading and depth, because if you start off with too dark a colour, you really have nowhere to go when you want to shade it even darker.

Later on in the Tutorials, I have shown the Copic Colour Wheel to help everyone understand the Copic Colours, and the best colours to start most images off with are the ones on the very extreme of the colour wheel, usually with numbers ending in 00, 000, or even 0000.

Above you will see the finished image, which has been layered to produce a 3D effect. This does mean quite a bit of work, as you have to colour each image separately - always make sure you keep your best one for the top layer. In all of the images below you will see on the right hand side a completed image, so you can track how it is made up in the varying colouring stages.

To start with the whole of the pink section of the dress was coloured in RV00

Now go over the outside edges and in the creases and folds with the same RV00 to build up some depth

Then I have started to build up the shading with RV02, clearly defining the edges and where dark shading will fall. I am cautious that I keep the centre areas untouched now as much as possible because this is where I deem the light will be falling, full on the front.

I finally added RV34 to the areas I wanted the most depth and then again blended this in with the RV00

Now I have started to colour the green part of the dress. Here I have used BG10 and coloured all parts

Here I have started to show the shaded areas with BG13 colouring the areas that would be shaded from the light or darker because of folding

Now I have used the darker of my 3 greens, BG15 and put deep colouring on the areas where I want to show the most depth and shade

Then I blended all three colours together with BG10 my lightest green shade, pushing the colours towards the lightest section, but not going over the paler area where I want to keep the most light falling on the dress

Here is the finished image completely coloured and ready to go on the card.

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THE COPIC COLOUR WHEEL

Copic Markers come in a range of 322 different colours - just amazing - choosing colours is just like being in a Sweet Shop. But be wary and buy wisely - as there is a method is choosing the blend and shade of colours to get the right effect in your colouring.

The Copic pens come in 3 different types, the Original Marker, which are the largest of the 3 and square in shape, the Sketch which is the next size down and oval in shape, and finally the Ciao which is the smallest in the range and circular in shape. Average prices are around £5 for the Original, £3.50 for the Sketch and £2 for the Ciao. The 322 colour range is available predominantly in the Sketch range. If you use the Copic Airbrushing system, it does state that this only works with the original Markers, but I find that they work just as well with the Sketch

The Colour Wheel below is downloadable, either by right clicking on the image and pasting to your desktop, or by clicking on the link below where the image will appear and you can then save. Ideally the best way to view the wheel to get the most information and detail of colour is on screen, you can print it off, but you will need to re-size the downloaded image, and remember the colours will ony be as good as your printer and printer inks define!!!!

You will see on the right hand side of the Colour Wheel the detail of how to chose the right colour, how to make sure that colours blend together and are in the same 'family' of colours, and how to select a set of ideally 3 close colours in the family, to get the best effect when blending and shading.

Click on the Image below and this will open up to fill your screen so you can get a good view of the colours and then scroll to the right to see the information of choosing the right range of colours.

Below is the image of the 2 pages that you can download from the link below so that you can colour in the sections as you buy your Copic pens, to keep a track of the colours you have. When I am preparing to colour an image, I first pull all of my papers together and then sit them alongside my colour chart - I then write down the numbers that offer the best colour combination and then go and select from my stash.

Here are the links if you wish to download the images of the blank colour charts, and remember you will need to re-size them on your printer to fit on two A4 sheets. The link is also below for the Copic Colour Wheel - again resize this to suit, but you will get the best image and colour detail when viewing on your computer.

Well I hope this has given you food for thought on using Copic and Pro Markers. I by no means am an expert in the art of colouring, but I am learning, and the best way to learn is to keep practicing - enjoy !!!!

Friday, 10 July 2009

Good morning everyone - Welcome to the Friday supplement of Issue 6 of The Next Level

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We hope you have enjoyed having your Magazine in 3 supplements this week and it has not spoilt your enjoyment of your weekly read. Please keep the feedback coming in, we do love to hear from you.

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Today we feature a stunning TUTORIAL FROM ABBY, one of our Creative Design Team members. You may have seen a really stunning card a few weeks ago from Abby where she did a 3D rose on her card - it was absolute perfection - so we asked her if she would not mind showing how she had achieved this beautiful effect - and here it is for you all today.

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Hint for Monday's Challenge 7

We did say that our Friday Tutorials would in many instances link up what what is going to be on the horizon for the Monday Challenge and this week is no exception. We will not be asking you specifically to make up a rose just like Abby's - but if you do not have in your stash some glue such as Beacon 3 in 2, Pinflair, Mini Glue dots or Double sized Craft Foam pads - you might want to pop out and get some over the weekend !!!!

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Quick Links to Issue 6 Supplements

Below are the Quick Links to the Monday and Wednesday supplements and remember -There is still plenty of time to enter the Challenge 6 this week with 4 prizes on offer.

Closing time for entries - Sunday 9pm Uk time.

If you wish to enter and do not have a blog, please e-mail us your photograph and we will post it for you.

1. Stamp the image multiple times onto water color paper using black Staz On ink. I prefer lighter weight water color paper for my 3D floral images because it is easier to manipulate into your desired shape

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2. Water color the images as you desire. For this rose I focused on coloring the large rose only since it will be cut out it was not necessary to color the images in their entirety. This helps to cut back on work and time

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3. Once you've water colored the images cut them out as close as possible. Select one to keep as your base then proceed to cut along the lines of the petals on the remaining images. Don't worry about cutting perfectly since it should be a natural, untailored look. Just be sure they resemble the shape of rose petals. One key point is to color the back and along the edges of each one with a matching marker so that there’s no white showing underneath or throughout the edges of petals

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4. Select one of the larger petals to start building the outer edge. Curl the bottom edge of the petal slightly and add a touch of glue to the curled edge then place it on the rose image. I use Beacon 3 in 1 glue because it holds beautifully but also allows you to move the petals if you happen to make a mistake or decide to move the petal to a different location. Just be sure the glue is not completely dry or you may tear it

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5. Once you've glued the first petal allow the glue to dry and gently shape it with your tweezers

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6. Continue the same pattern with the rest of the petals starting with the larger ones for the outer edge and the smaller petals for the center

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7. As each petal dries you can go back with your tweezers to gently shape the petals so that they resemble the look of a real rose

.8. Once you're getting close to the center select one of the smallest petals and curl it inward and use a mini glue dot to place it in the center. This will offer a guide for the placement of the remaining petals. You may find that you'll have to trim the petals to fit your desired space

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9. Once you're finished adding all of the petals grab your tweezers for some final shaping then finish with a touch of glitter on the edge of each petal

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10. Here’s the finished rose which will be added to a future creation. Hope you'll give it a try!

There are some great entries in the Challenge this week, and remember we have 4 Prizes on offer this week, so lots of time to get your entry in - closing time is 9pm UK time on Sunday.

Friday's Edition brings your Tutorial section - a beautiful creation by Abby and believe us - we are preparing you for your Challenge next week - maybe we will give you a clue!!!!!

Also please keep the feedback coming in on the new style of The Next Level - we have some who like the split and others who like the original format - direct links above will take you straight to the Have Your Say section.

Enjoy - Ann and Dawn xxx

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VERSAMARK STAMP PADS - DID YOU KNOW HOW MANY WAYS YOU CAN USE THIS?

A TRULY CLEAR EMBOSSING PADUse like you would the Top Boss. Just stamp and emboss with colored powder or clear powder for a see through shine.

A WATERMARKThis is great for backgrounds, it will deepen the shade of colored paper wherever you stamp. Just think about this, for every color of paper you own, you now have a complementary color of ink!

POPPIN’ PASTELSThere are a couple of ways to accomplish this effect on light colored card stocks.1.) Apply chalks to the area to be stamped, stamp with VersaMark and allow to dry or use heat gun. Then rub gently with a clean cotton ball. You can get a dramatic effect by adding more chalk to a cotton ball or dauber after you stamped with the VersaMark. Or you can emboss while stamped image is still wet with clear embossing powder and the image will jump out at you!2.) Stamp first then chalk gently over the stamped area and watch the image magically appear.

REVERSE PASTELSThis time you use brightly colored chalk to cover dark colored card stock (Basic Black, Night of Navy, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, etc.) and then stamp over the chalked area. The ink will pull out the color of the paper from beneath the chalk. Be sure to clean the stamp before re-inking it as the chalk you removed is now on your stamp and you will dirty your VersaMark pad.

SHADOWINGThis is a technique to use with Kaleidacolor pads and word stamps but you can use it for anything really. Just stamp directly over your first image. Because you will seldom be exact you will make a shadow that gives the initial image a 3-D effect. You can even take it a step further and emboss with a transparent powder like Pearl or Iridescent Ice.

BRAYER RESISTThis technique can be done with Gold Encore or VersaMark. Stamp image(s) onto Glossy White card stock using one of the above inks. Gently wipe away the ink using a lotion-free tissue and small circular motion. Ink up your brayer and roll it over the paper. Wherever the VersaMark ink was stamped, the paper will resist the colored ink from your brayer. This works on matte card stock but looks better on glossy.

VERSAMARK & 2-STEP STAMPIN’Stamp the same image first w/VersaMark & then with metallic (Encore). Just shift the image a little bit when stamping the metallic ink. It gives it a shadowed look. Looks great on baroque burgundy and forest foliage!

EMBOSSING ON GLASSUsing the embossing buddy first, then using the VersaMark to stamp the image on a glass container, then emboss with detail gold or silver. Fill it with candy and tie a ribbon on it.

EMBOSSING WITH YOUR 48 STAMPIN’ UP! PADSInk your stamp with VersaMark then stamp on one of our 48 color pads or you can use a dauber to apply the color ink if you are worried about the color pad. Stamp and use clear embossing powder. Heat. Now you can emboss and be perfectly coordinated with the SU! markers, cardstock and inkpads. Be certain to clean stamp before re-inking on VersaMark pad or you will leave color on it.

DISCREET JOURNALING LINESAlthough the VersaMark ink is sticky when applied, it dries like regular ink and loses the stickiness. It is Acid-free and safe for scrapbook pages. It works perfectly on all of our colored cardstock.

BATIK TECHNIQUESimply stamp your image using Versamark on ultra-smooth white or confetti or some other light CS and then emboss with clear embossing powder. Let cool. Then gently wad paper into a ball or you could fold it into a small square for a different look. Unfold it and smooth it out. Place it on a towel and wet with water so the paper is very damp. Next ink your brayer with a Kaleidacolor pad and brayer across the paper. The image will stay white while the ink will seep into cracks and the rest of the paper will have a batik look. (Like back in the 70’s when you applied wax to a pattern on a shirt and then dipped it in dye, cooled and chipped the wax away.

Thank you MaryZ for this great piece of work on the uses of Versamark and for your approval for us to use this on The Next Level

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We have been on the scout around again this week to find you some really gorgeous freebie downloads and we hope you will not be disappointed with what we have found.

A gorgeous set of papers from Raspberry Road called Nanny's Garden paper pack, perfect for this time of year. Click HERE to get this free after completing checkout.

A really fantastic kit with loads of really beautiful elements on top of the really pretty papers. The gingham and check papers are so useful and remember you can recolour these using the tutorial from Summer Driggs in our earlier issues of The Next Level. Click HERE to go straight to download, no registration required.

Well as you know we are adding more and more challenges which feature stitches, so here is your chance to grab a freebie digital zig-zag stitch set. Click HERE to go to the download page - no registration required.

Digital buttons are so brilliant and a great standby. Again remember you can re-colour them if you want to. The best way to make these look really realistic is to print off two or three of the same button, and glue them together, colour the edges with an inkpad or marker pen, and they really do have the dimensions of buttons for your project. Click HERE for a direct link to the download page

Have fun everyone - and if you spot some great freebies out there, tell us about your find in the comments box below.